North Londoners feeling restless as life returns to normal after the unbridled excess of Christmas could benefit from a visit to the Highgate showroom of interior designer Mia Karlsson.

Rather than a total life overhaul – impractical, expensive and probably not necessary – a few small changes to your living space could prove as refreshing as moving house.

While it might seem intimidating or over the top to visit an interior designer if you’re not planning a major makeover, or if you’re feeling a little strapped for cash, Karlsson says this shouldn’t be the case.

“People often feel silly coming to an interior designer saying ‘I can’t afford it’ but sometimes you might literally need a button or you might need a whole house and I’m happy to do either.

Mia Karlsson's interiors showroom in Highgate

“I’m very keen on spending money wisely. I don’t care, I’m not a snob, I’m Swedish for god’s sake. Ikea’s my second home.”

The Pond Square showroom, which the team moved into in September 2014, functions as an inspiration centre and materials library as well as the office and studio for the interior design business.

“Now we’re in our new premises we encourage people to pop in, it’s an inspirational hub,” says Karlsson.

Mia Karlsson's interiors showroom in Highgate

“So long as people call in advance and make an appointment, if somebody wants help with a project that’s small but local it’s not a problem at all because we’re here.

“You don’t need many things to make a difference in your space. Give us a call and discuss what you need.”

The premises have an appropriate history having been used as a studio by architect John Browning – who still lives next door – for 30 years but they’ve now been infused with Karlsson’s characteristic splashes of bold colour and interesting wall finishes.

Karlsson also has an ingenious approach to space employing bespoke joinery to use tricky spaces to their best advantage: a big fan of hidden storage, she has even created a special ski shelf in one client’s house.

One of the most important things though, is people feeling that they’ve had an input into the design of their homes, which is where the showroom comes into its own.

“I work nights and weekends, so that people who work or who are busy with children can have an input.

“Even the ‘men’s men’ who think they’re not interested in interior design actually start to really care about things like the drawer opening mechanism. It’s very important that everyone feels they can come to me and talk and choose what they want.”

Other Hampstead and Highgate property news

Former Kelly Hoppen project director John Allsopp has recently returned to his architectural roots, opening an independent studio in Belsize Park. He talks about his youth in Barbados, marrying interior styling with structural design and reveals the artistic visionaries he most admires.